~ politics for the people

Is this appropriate language for a Labour MP, just because he supports Owen Smith?

Here’s Jamie Reed MP, shaming the Labour Party with his response to a comment from an autistic Twitter user:

Marcus Harman describes himself in his Twitter profile as follows: “Autistic man. I don’t always understand Social rules. It’s hard. My brain works differently to yours. When I offend, gently explain why. I’ll try to right it.”

Does “Pass the Bacofoil” count as a gentle explanation?

No – it’s an allusion to the belief that wearing a hat made from tinfoil will protect one against government surveillance; a clear insult against an autistic man (although it would be no better if Mr Harman was not autistic, of course). If Mr Reed was a Jeremy Corbyn-supporting rank-and-file Labour Party member, he would be facing the loss of his voting privilege in the leadership election and possible suspension from the party.

But of course Mr Reed supports Owen Smith, so that’s all right then.

Oh, and Jamie? You might want to rethink your claim to be a member of the Rebel Alliance. In Star Wars, the story you’re referencing, the rebels believe in democracy.

I am retired but familiar through my previous career that autistic children, let alone autistic adults, frequently have a hard time of it for no good reason other than public ignorance of their position. That this extends to a well educated, so-called professional MP is beyond the bounds of common decency.

Wouldn’t this kind of behaviour be sufficient to have his Twitter account at least suspended and probably terminated (and himself blocked from opening another in future).
I’m sure abusive tweets targeting vulnerable users are covered somewhere in their terms of use.
Possibly worth asking twitter what their stance on this kind of abuse is?

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